Download the Second Quarter Pre-close Word

Kingfisher plc
Unaudited pre-close sales update to 14 July 2007
10 weeks to 14 July 2007
23 weeks to 14 July 2007
Retail Sales (1)
% Total
Change
% LFL
Change
% Total
Change
% LFL
Change
UK (2)
-0.7
-1.5
6.8
2.3
France
9.9
2.7
10.4
3.9
Rest of Europe (3)
26.2
14.4
31.5
18.0
Asia (4)
16.9
9.9
13.0
4.4
International
14.0
6.0
15.0
7.0
Total
7.2
2.6
11.0
4.7
(1) All figures are on a constant currency basis. Joint Venture and Associate sales are not consolidated. Data is
provided for the 10 weeks to 14 July 2007, with the exception of Russia and China which are reported for the 13
weeks to 30 June 2007.
(2) B&Q, Screwfix and Trade Depot.
(3) Poland, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Russia.
(4) China.





10 week total sales up 7.2%, +2.6% on a like for like (LFL) basis
Year to date total sales up 11.0%, +4.7% LFL
International (ex-UK), now 53% of Kingfisher sales, growth continues, +15.0%
UK market continues to be weak and affected by poor weather
B&Q progressing well with development programme
Commenting on the year to date, Gerry Murphy, Group Chief Executive, said:
“Our international businesses, which now account for more than half of Kingfisher’s sales,
continued to perform well, with sales up 15.0%. Forty-eight new stores have been opened
so far this year, taking the total to 760 in 10 countries.
“In the UK all our businesses delivered sales growth despite the market continuing to be
weak and promotional. Abnormal weather patterns boosted sales in the first quarter but
were very unhelpful in the second. B&Q is making good progress modernising its stores
and updating its ranges.”
All figures and comments below refer to the 10 weeks to 14 July
(1)
UK
B&Q total sales fell 3.6% (-2.3% LFL) in a weak market. Sales of outdoor products were
sharply down reflecting the poor weather and the pull-forward of sales into an
unseasonably warm Q1. Sales of weather-affected categories were up over 20% in Q1 but
down nearly 20% in the 10 weeks to 14 July. Sales of other products were generally solid
although kitchen and bathroom sales still rely on promotional stimulus. Gross margin
percentage is expected to be broadly flat compared to the same period last year.
Kingfisher’s UK trade businesses, Screwfix and Trade Depot, delivered strong sales
growth of 37.8% overall.
FRANCE
Sales grew 9.9% (+2.7% LFL) in a firm market, supported by new store openings. New
decorative ranges, kitchens and bathrooms performed well although this was partly offset
by weaker sales of weather-affected outdoor products and air-conditioning. Castorama
sales grew 4.5% (+3.5% LFL, +5.0% comparable store basis) and Brico Dépôt sales were
ahead 15.3% (+2.1% LFL).
REST OF EUROPE AND ASIA
Sales in other international markets grew strongly, up 22.8% (+12.8% LFL) with 18 new
stores trading compared with the same quarter last year. Castorama in Poland delivered
strong sales growth of 34.9% (+25.4% LFL) in a buoyant market. Sales for Castorama
Italy declined 1.5% (-1.7% LFL) in a weaker consumer market and affected by poor
weather, especially in the north. B&Q China grew 16.9% (+9.9% LFL), reflecting seasonal
factors and the timing of promotions.
Kingfisher plc will announce its interim results for the 6 months to 4 August 2007 on
20 September 2007.
Enquiries:
Ian Harding, Group Communications Director
020 7644 1029
Nigel Cope, Head of Communications
020 7644 1030
Sarah Gerrand, Head of Investor Relations
020 7644 1032
Kingfisher plc is Europe’s leading home improvement retail group and the third largest in
the world, with 760 stores in 10 countries in Europe and Asia. Its main retail brands are
B&Q, Castorama and Brico Dépôt. Kingfisher also has a 21% interest in, and strategic
alliance with, Hornbach, Germany’s leading DIY Warehouse retailer, with over 120 stores
in Germany and eight other European countries.
Further copies of this announcement are available at www.kingfisher.com or by application
to: The Company Secretary, Kingfisher plc, 3 Sheldon Square, London, W2 6PX.