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RBC Capital said JD Sports remains cash-generative but urged caution due to weaker mass-market brand momentum and pressure on younger customers. It expects the US consumer split to persist, with tougher comps. RBC reiterated a 100p target but trimmed FY27 pre-tax profit forecasts by 2% and FY28 by 4%. Deutsche Bank cut Rentokil Initial’s target to 405p after softer US Pest Services growth.

RBC Capital downgraded JD Sports to sector perform from outperform, citing difficult, promotional sports-fashion conditions and weaker mass-market brand momentum. RBC reiterated a 100p target, trimming FY27 pre-tax profit forecasts by 2% and setting FY28 4% below consensus. Deutsche Bank cut Rentokil Initial’s target to 405p from 465p after softer US Pest Services Q2 organic growth (2.4%).

JD Sports Fashion Plc began the second £100 million tranche of its £200 million share buyback, with the full program running through FY 2026/27 and tranche completion expected by Jan 31, 2027. The first tranche ended July 31. Peel Hunt LLP will execute purchases under an irrevocable agreement. Shares trade around £90.78, up about 15% YTD.

JD Sports Fashion launched the second tranche of its £200m share buyback, with up to £100m to be spent on ordinary shares. The phase runs until 31 Jan 2027 and follows a shareholder-approved authority from its 21 Jul 2026 AGM. Peel Hunt will buy shares on its behalf on the LSE, with weekly buyback updates planned.

The European Commission issued JD.com a Statement of Grounds in its EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation probe of JD.com’s planned acquisition of German electronics retailer Ceconomy. The Commission cites concerns about possible PRC-attributable preferential financing, tax incentives and grants. JD.com can respond, with a provisional review deadline of 2 Oct 2026.

The European Commission issued JD.com a formal notice outlining concerns about its proposed $2.5 billion acquisition of Germany’s Ceconomy, according to Reuters. The move is part of the EU’s ongoing investigation into the deal, adding regulatory uncertainty for the transaction.