Sainsbury shares slide after Argos sales dip; investors turn to April results
J Sainsbury shares fell 6.3% after its Christmas update showed a 1% drop in Argos sales, despite grocery sales rising 5.4% in the 16 weeks to Jan. 3. The company maintained its profit forecast above £1 billion and raised its free cash flow outlook to over £550 million. Investors focused on weakness in general merchandise. Sainsbury plans to return over £800 million to shareholders.