Investing.com -- After the close on Thursday, Carrefour SA (EPA: CA) reported first-half earnings, with adjusted profit per share coming in at €0.49, up 18.3% from €0.41 in the prior year period, as the French retailer posted sales growth of 2.1% on a like-for-like basis to €43.8 billion.

The company confirmed its full-year 2026 targets, including growth in recurring operating income, more than 25 basis points growth in operating margin compared to 2025, and high single-digit growth in adjusted earnings per share.

Sales in the first half increased 2.1% on a like-for-like basis and 1.7% YoY at current exchange rates. Recurring operating income grew 4.0% to €757 million from €727 million in the first half of 2025, driven by the company's three core countries. France posted recurring operating income of €300 million, up 14% from the prior year, while Spain's recurring operating income increased 7% to €177 million and Brazil's rose 6% to €359 million.

American depositary receipts are down 2.5% following the results.

"The first half of 2026 was marked by the launch of Carrefour 2030, a plan firmly focused on customers and retail excellence," said Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO. "Despite global geopolitical uncertainties, our strong first-half financial performance reflects the momentum of this transformation."

The company achieved €490 million in cost savings during the first half, in line with its €1 billion target for 2026. Net free cash flow stood at negative €1.99 billion, an improvement of €95 million compared to the first half of 2025. Net financial debt decreased by €1.1 billion to €5.8 billion as of June 30, 2026 compared to June 30, 2025.

In France, like-for-like sales grew 1.1% in the first half, with all formats posting positive growth. Spain confirmed strong momentum with 2.7% like-for-like sales growth, while Brazil returned to positive sales growth in the second quarter at 0.4% after a negative first quarter.

Carrefour completed the disposal of its Romania operations and will pay an interim special dividend of €0.21 per share, or €150 million, on July 30.