AB Foods stock trades at EUR 21.90 as sugar risks persist
Published on 09/29/2026 at 15:53 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
AB Foods (ISIN GB0006731235) was trading at EUR 21.90 at Lang & Schwarz on September 29, 2026 at 3:40 p.m. CEST, unchanged from the EUR 21.90 prior close. The latest company update puts the investment case between Primark growth and a widening sugar burden.
Primark growth meets weaker comparisons
In its September 10, 2026 trading update, AB Foods said Primark total sales were expected to grow 2.00 percent in fiscal 2026, while like-for-like sales were expected to decline 2.60 percent. That 4.60 percentage-point gap shows how much new stores and franchise expansion are carrying the retail division.
The same update gave the US a stronger profile, with Primark sales expected to rise 11.00 percent in the fourth quarter, while continental European sales were expected to fall 1.00 percent. The company also said adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 should be ahead of its expectations, while adjusted operating profit should be broadly in line.
Sugar remains the central risk
AB Foods expects an adjusted operating loss of GBP 70.0 million to GBP 170.0 million in Sugar for fiscal 2027. The range is wider than the fiscal 2026 guidance of GBP 25.0 million to GBP 60.0 million, reflecting pressure from gas costs, European sugar prices, crop yields and weather.
The company also expects Primark's adjusted operating margin to remain at 10.00 percent in fiscal 2027 and has acquired an automated fulfillment facility in Sheffield to support home delivery in Great Britain. The combination gives the group a measurable growth initiative, but the sugar range remains the sharper earnings variable.
Analyst targets move lower
Morningstar reported on September 11, 2026 that Deutsche Bank cut its target from GBp 1,850.00 to GBp 1,790.00 and JPMorgan reduced its target from GBp 1,700.00 to GBp 1,645.00. UBS moved its target from GBp 2,010.00 to GBp 2,040.00, leaving the broker picture mixed but more cautious overall.
Investing.com reported on September 16, 2026 that Kepler Cheuvreux downgraded AB Foods from Buy to Hold and cut its target from GBp 2,100.00 to GBp 1,900.00. The broker described fiscal 2027 as a transition year, with Primark execution and Sugar losses weighing on the outlook.
Annual results set for November
AB Foods is scheduled to announce annual results for the 52 weeks ended September 12, 2026, on November 3, 2026. On the London Stock Exchange, ABF.L was last at GBp 1,870.50 on September 29, 2026 at 2:52 p.m. BST, with a 52-week range of GBp 1,559.00 to GBp 2,359.00.
AB Foods stock facts
- Company: Associated British Foods plc
- ISIN: GB0006731235
- Ticker: ABF.L
- Primary exchange: London Stock Exchange
- Price Lang & Schwarz (as of September 29, 2026, 3:40 p.m. CEST): EUR 21.90
- Change versus prior close: 0.00 percent
- Prior close Lang & Schwarz (September 28, 2026): EUR 21.90
- 52-week range: GBp 1,559.00-2,359.00 (as of September 29, 2026)
- Sector / Industry: Consumer Defensive / Packaged Foods
- Index membership: FTSE 100
- Next earnings date: November 3, 2026
