Kingfisher, Europe's biggest home improvement retailer, posted a 1.4% rise in its first quarter retail profit, helped by a strong performance at Screwfix which lifted sales at its British arm.
Kingfisher trades as B&Q in Ireland and the UK, as well as Screwfix in the UK, and Castorama and Brico Depot in France.
It said today that retail profits for the 13 weeks to May 2 rose to £150m at a constant currency rate, ahead of a company compiled consensus forecast of £146m.
Underlying group sales grew 0.8% compared to strong comparative figures a year ago.
Sales in France were down 1.2% but up 1.6% in the UK and Ireland, where the company also made gross margin gains after less promotions.
