The British DIY distribution group Kingfisher (Castorama, Brico Dépôt, etc.) announces an increase in its annual net profit, despite a still sluggish context on the French market.
THE British band Kingfisher posted significantly improved results over its last financial year, driven by the dynamics of its activities outside France. Although overall performances are progressing, they nevertheless mask marked contrasts depending on the markets, particularly in France where signs Castorama And Brico Depot remain faced with a still sluggish consumer environment.
Results clearly improving across the group
The British group Kingfisher, owner – among others – of French brands Castorama and Brico Dépôtrecorded a net profit of 245 million pounds (283.5 million euros) for the financial year ending at the end of January, up 32.7% year-on-year.
The group Kingfisher is one of the world’s leading players in home furnishings. It brings together several recognized brands, including B&Q, Screwfix, Castorama, Brico Depot, TradePoint, Koçtasas well as Castorama Poland in Poland. © Kingfisher
However, management qualifies this performance by favoring adjusted profit before taxes, up 13%. A more representative indicator, according to the group, which neutralizes the effect of an exceptional element recorded last year: the reimbursement of a property tax of 33 million pounds collected in the United Kingdom.
At the same time, overall turnover increased slightly (+1.3%) to reach 12.9 billion pounds (14.98 billion euros), a balance that is still fragile, but trending upwards. Growth is supported by:
– the good performance of British brands;
– The rise of sales to professionals;
– And, finally, the development of online commerce.
France, a market still under tension
Conversely, the French market continues to weigh on the group’s performance. THE sales of the Castorama and Brico Dépôt brands are declining by 2.2% on a comparable basis, to stand at 3.86 billion pounds (4.47 billion euros). This decline is part of a lastingly constrained French environment, marked in particular by a still high level of household savings and declining consumption, estimated at around -3%. A context which continues to slow down market dynamics.
Faced with this situation, Kingfisher continues its transformation efforts in Francewith an acceleration of the restructuring of Castorama. Around a quarter of the network – or 24 stores – has already been the subject of optimization, via reductions in surface area, modernizations or franchise changes. A progressive strategy, intended to adapt the network to new market conditions.
“We continued to implement our strategy at a rapid pace, while delivering a good level of margin and maintaining discipline on our costs. Thus, in 2025/26, we gained significant market shares (…). We are progressing quickly in the implementation of our strategic priorities. Professionals and e-commerce already represent respectively nearly 75% and 60% of Screwfix’s turnover. In our other brands, sales to professionals have increased by + 23%, thanks to the expansion of our ranges, the improvement of our services and the strengthening of our customer relationships with professionals, while e-commerce grew by + 20%, driven by the success of our marketplaces. E-commerce now represents a fifth of the Group’s total turnover” explains Thierry Garnier, here in photo, the general manager of the Kingfisher group. © Kingfisher
Kingfisher
