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Kingfisher has upgraded its full-year outlook after posting solid half-year results to 31 July 2025, supported by strong trading in the UK and growth in strategic initiatives.
The B&Q and Screwfix owner reported adjusted pre-tax profit up 10.2% to £368m, with statutory profit rising 4.1% to £338m. Adjusted earnings per share increased 16.5% to 15.3p. Free cash flow climbed 13.5% to £478m, aided by earnings growth and inventory management.
Group like-for-like sales grew 1.9%, driven by higher volumes and transactions. UK performance was particularly robust, with B&Q up 4.4% and Screwfix up 3.0%. Market share gains were achieved in the UK, France, and Spain, while Poland was broadly in line with the market.
Kingfisher also recorded double-digit growth in trade sales (+11.9%) and e-commerce (+11.1%). Gross margin improved 100bps to 37.7%, supported by scale advantages, AI-driven promotional efficiency, and retail media expansion.
Chief executive Thierry Garnier highlighted “high-quality growth” across core and big-ticket categories, alongside cost discipline in a challenging environment. He said the performance gave confidence to raise full-year targets despite mixed consumer sentiment and political uncertainty.
The group now expects adjusted pre-tax profit at the upper end of its £480m–£540m guidance range and free cash flow of £480m–£520m, up from £420m–£480m. It also plans to accelerate its £300m share buyback, with completion expected by March 2026.
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