Tesco (OTCMKTS:TSCDY) Shares Gap Down – Here’s What Happened
by Mitch Edgeman · The Markets DailyShares of Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDY – Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $18.33, but opened at $17.15. Tesco shares last traded at $17.06, with a volume of 65,049 shares traded.
Key Tesco News
Here are the key news stories impacting Tesco this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Tesco said it now expects full‑year adjusted operating profit at the top end of its £2.9bn–£3.1bn range after a strong Christmas and market‑share gains. Tesco profit to hit upper end of forecast range after strong Christmas trading
- Positive Sentiment: Broad trading update described as “solid” and management said results point to hitting the higher end of its profit target—supportive for earnings expectations. Tesco Says It Expects to Hit Higher End of Profit Target
- Positive Sentiment: Major brokers (Citi, Deutsche Bank) retained buy ratings and some say the market reaction to the sales miss is overdone; consensus broker view is Moderate Buy. Tesco ‘still a buy’ for Citi despite softer-than-expected sales Tesco ‘buy’ rating retained at DB despite Q3 disappointment Tesco Receives Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy”
- Neutral Sentiment: Group like‑for‑like (LFL) sales rose 3.1% in Q3 and c.2.4–2.9% over the Christmas period (ex‑fuel); numbers are positive but slightly below some street forecasts, reducing upside surprise potential. Tesco ‘still a buy’ for Citi despite softer-than-expected sales Tesco Says It Expects to Hit Higher End of Profit Target
- Neutral Sentiment: Investors can review the Q3 earnings call transcript for management detail on margins, Booker, and online growth. Tesco PLC Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript
- Negative Sentiment: Shares dropped after markets focused on the sales shortfall relative to high expectations and a softer contribution from Booker; the gap between expectations and results prompted selling despite the upgraded profit view. Tesco shares slip despite solid trading as high expectations take their toll
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
TSCDY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Tesco from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Sunday, December 14th. Zacks Research cut shares of Tesco from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Citigroup reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Tesco in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Tesco in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy”.
Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Tesco
Tesco Stock Performance
The company has a 50-day moving average of $18.00 and a 200-day moving average of $17.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.40.
Tesco Company Profile
Tesco PLC is a British multinational grocery and general merchandise retailer headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. Founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen as a market stall, the company expanded into a nationwide chain of supermarkets and has grown into one of the largest retailers in the United Kingdom. Tesco operates a range of store formats designed to serve different customer needs, including large-format hypermarkets, standard supermarkets and smaller convenience stores, along with an extensive online grocery and home delivery service.
The company’s core activities include the retail sale of food and non-food products, development and distribution of own-label ranges (from value to premium), and provision of convenience and fuel forecourt services.