Retail group Kingfisher has reported a robust set of half-year results for the six months ended 31 July 2025, with group like-for-like sales up 1.9% to £6.8bn.
The business performed strongly, delivering a 3.9% uplift, led by B&Q (+4.4%) and Screwfix (+3.0%).
The home improvement retailer reported adjusted pre-tax profit up 10.2% to £368m, supported by strategic initiatives in e-commerce and disciplined cost management.
Free cash flow rose 13.5% to £478m, driven by earnings growth, tax settlement receipts and the phasing of capital expenditure.
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Following the results, Kingfisher – which also owns DIY stores in Europe – upgraded its full-year guidance, now targeting the upper end of £480m. The group also confirmed its £300m share buyback programme remains on track to complete by March 2026.
According to the group’s financial statement, e-commerce was a standout performer, with sales up 11.1% year-on-year to £1.4bn. While initiatives included piloting a UK-first marketplace click & collect service at B&Q, aiming to roll out to 300 stores by October, and the rapid scaling of retail media across Screwfix and Castorama Poland.
Screwfix Sprint, the retailer’s 20-minute delivery service, expanded coverage to around 60% of the UK population, with sales growing by more than 50%.
Trade sales also delivered double-digit growth, rising 11.9% year-on-year to £1.9bn. Upgraded trade service offerings included expanded loyalty programmes, broader product ranges and additional trade counters. B&Q added 33 trade sales partners during the half, taking the total to 77, while the new Tradepoint app drove a 24.4% increase in click & collect trade sales.
Thierry Garnier, Kingfisher chief executive officer, said: “We delivered a strong first half with high quality underlying like-for-like sales growth of 1.9%, driven by increased volumes and transactions.
“Our teams continue to execute at a high level, delivering double-digit growth in our strategic initiatives, trade and e-commerce, which supported our market share gains. We were encouraged by underlying quarter-on-quarter growth in our core categories, and a third consecutive quarter of growth in big-ticket sales.”
Garnier said despite mixed consumer sentiment and political uncertainty, the company remains confident in its outlook:
“Combined with our H1 performance, this gives us the confidence to upgrade our full year profit and free cash flow guidance and to accelerate our share buyback programme.
“We remain focused on executing our strategic priorities, maintaining cost discipline and driving shareholder returns.”
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