Metro Q3 2025 EPS misses estimates as strike disrupts operations

Metro AG reported third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) for fiscal 2025 that fell short of analyst expectations, as a prolonged labor strike disrupted operations and weighed on financial performance. The German wholesale and retail group said the industrial action, which affected multiple distribution centers, led to supply chain disruptions and reduced sales volumes during the period.

The company did not disclose specific EPS figures in its preliminary announcement but confirmed the shortfall relative to consensus estimates. Analysts had projected EPS of €0.85 for the quarter, according to Refinitiv data. Metro attributed the underperformance to the strike, which began in late October and continued into November, forcing temporary closures of key logistics hubs.

Revenue for the quarter also declined year-over-year, though the company did not provide a numerical breakdown. Management noted that the strike’s impact was most pronounced in Germany, where Metro operates its largest market. The labor action, organized by the United Services Union (ver.di), centered on wage disputes and working conditions, according to reports.

Metro’s shares, listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker MEO, were down 2.1% in pre-market trading following the announcement. The decline reflected investor concerns over the strike’s duration and potential long-term effects on customer relationships and operational efficiency.

A company spokesperson declined to comment on the strike’s resolution timeline or potential financial settlements. Analysts at Jefferies noted that while the strike was a temporary headwind, its resolution could provide a clearer picture of Metro’s underlying business momentum for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The earnings miss follows a series of challenges for Metro, including competitive pressures in the German retail sector and shifting consumer spending patterns. The company has been focusing on cost optimization and digital transformation initiatives to offset these pressures, though the strike has temporarily overshadowed these efforts.