Kingfisher Raises Profit Outlook Following Strong First-Half Results

Key Facts

1Kingfisher reported adjusted pre-tax profit of £404 million for the first half, up 9.9% from a year earlier.

2The company raised its full-year adjusted pre-tax profit guidance to a range of £595 million to £635 million.

3Screwfix like-for-like sales grew 5.6%, helping offset weaker performance at B&Q and Brico Dépôt France.

In a move reflecting the resilience of the British retail sector despite economic headwinds, Kingfisher PLC announced strong financial results for the first half of 2026. According to reports, the company achieved an adjusted pre-tax profit of £404 million, a 9.9% increase over the previous year, driven by higher gross margins and disciplined cost control. Consequently, the firm raised its full-year adjusted pre-tax profit guidance to a range of £595 million to £635 million.

The growth was primarily supported by Screwfix, where like-for-like sales grew by 5.6%, helping to offset weaker performance at B&Q and Brico Dépôt France. Results also benefited from a one-off £14 million business rates refund; excluding this, adjusted profit growth stood at 6.1%. Per market data, the company maintains robust liquidity of £1.06 billion and has kept its interim dividend steady at 3.80p per share.

Kingfisher stock (KGF.L) stood at 343.80p (close September 23, 2026), having reached a day high of 347.40p. Investors are monitoring sales sustainability following the Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates at 3.75% on September 17. With no major domestic catalysts in the immediate upcoming calendar, focus remains on the company's ability to meet its upgraded free cash flow targets of £480 million to £520 million.