Sainsbury’s warns of war profit hit

Despite reporting a £619 million pre-tax profit, Sainsbury’s leadership is adopting a cautious outlook for the remainder of 2026.

Chief Executive Simon Roberts noted that shoppers have become 'even more focused on the cost of living' since the Iran war began.

The conflict has added significant pressure to food prices due to higher energy and freight costs, making the future economic landscape 'very uncertain.' This warning coincides with a profit alert from stationer WH Smith, which has also suspended its dividend due to the war's impact on international travel.